Extremely Dry Nose 5 Weeks After Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction Surgery?

Hello there! I had a Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction surgery on July 29, 2012 (5 weeks ago). My recovery seemed to be stellar, until about 3 weeks ago when my nose started to feel congested and difficult to breathe through. I realize now that the feeling is actually extremely dry nasal passages that make it feel as though I can't breathe. I'm starting to panic a bit, wondering if this is permanent (Empty Nose Syndrome) or if this is a common side effect from surgery. Any advice is welcome!

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1 month post-op breathing dry turbinate reduction

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1 Doctor Answer | Asked by NoseIssues

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Post-op Septoplasty and turbinate reduction

Dear DryNoseJen, I would give it more time before calling it permanent, so try not to worry too much It is probably just the mucous glands inside the nose adjusting after surgery Keep it moist for now with vaseline along the nostrils and some saline nasal spray If you are still having issues after 3 months and want to know if your turbinates are still there, you can see any ENT specialist Best regards, Nima Shemirani

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NoseIssues 30 Aug 2012

Thanks so much for the quick response, Doctor. I have been really troubled by this, since my nose actually never felt this bad prior to surgery and 2 weeks post surgery I was breathing better than I am today! I certainly hope that this is temporary, because it feels just terrible, like I can't get a decent breath.

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